AN ARCHAELOGICAL dig to open up Iron Age fort walls on Helsby Hill will take place later this month and want-to-be historians are being invited to take part.

The Habitats and Hillforts team – who manage, protect and improve six Iron Age hillforts and habitats on the Sandstone Ridge including Frodsham and Helsby – will excavating the trenches between April 26 and May 10.

Dan Garner, project officer archaeology for Habitats and Hillforts said: “We are going to undertake two excavation trenches on Helsby Hill for two weeks.

“The intention will be to re-excavate two trenches through the ramparts that were originally opened up in 1955 and 1964 in order to re-expose the sections and recover charcoal samples for radiocarbon dating.”

Working days where volunteers can take part in the excavations will be Monday, April 16, Friday, April 30, Tuesday, May 4, Friday, May 7 and Monday, May 10.

“It is anticipated that there will be a high demand for places on the excavation and we may only be able to offer individuals a couple of days on site,” added Mr Garner.

“Owing to the nature of the excavation we will only be able to accommodate a limited number of volunteers at any one time and for this reason booking will be essential.”

The heritage conservation project is a £1.4m plan which includes tree planting, surveys, and improvements to footpaths and public access to improve the condition of the hillforts and invigorate the sites’ wildlife habitats.

It is hoped the team will run further excavations later this summer on more sites across the trail.

For more information, go to www.habitatsandhillforts.co.uk and to volunteer email Dan.Garner@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk.